Hurricane (Eden Golan song)
The song drew heavy scrutiny for its original title "October Rain", which along with the lyrics was viewed as a political message in support of Israel in the Israel–Hamas war.Although Golan's vocal performance was widely praised, the song was criticized for a perceived lack of originality, as well as claims that the lyrics amounted to Israeli propaganda."[10] In another analysis by Kveller's Lior Zaltzman, they stated their belief that the lyrics could be interpreted to reference world views on Israel and the advocacy for the return of Israeli hostages from Hamas captivity."[29] Nic Wolff of Israel Hayom wrote that "apparently we don't really want to win", describing the song as a "gloomy and empty ballad about a girl in crisis, without provocation and without a statement... they turned [Eden] into a pop doll without soul and inspiration."[32] Einav Schiff, writer for Ynet, wrote an opinion piece in response to Kan changing their song to meet Eurovision requirements, heavily criticizing the decision."[33] Jerusalem Post writer Ari Sacher also expressed criticism at the changes, praising the original version of "October Rain" and stating that "what was a poignant and meaningful anthem has been reduced to another song".[34] Nic Wolff stated that "we weren't really in real and historical danger of expulsion this time, and the whole saga about words like October and flowers seemed like a call for attention and a pathetic attempt to poke a finger in the eye of the Europeans.[36][37] Gali Atari, part of the Israeli delegation that won the contest in 1979, also praised Golan, stating that "I have unwavering confidence in her, and I trust her to represent Israel with utmost dignity...[46] After a brief fall to ninth, the song shot back up to eighth by 16 April, which The Jerusalem Post interpreted was due to the Iranian drone attacks which had occurred three days prior.Multiple media outlets related to Eurovision, such as Eurovoix[50] and ESC Xtra began to limit their coverage of Israeli participation in the contest.[52] When "Hurricane" was leaked hours before its official release, Ynet recorded instances of Palestinian supporters calling for Israel's exclusion, along with stage protests at Eurovision if the song was permitted to compete.[2] Two days later, Ynet writer Ran Boker reported that the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), the organization that runs the Eurovision Song Contest, rejected the entry based on grounds of political content.In response, the Israeli Public Broadcasting Corporation (IPBC/Kan) initially responded by stating that it would not change the lyrics or its content, putting the song's entry into Eurovision in jeopardy.[6] Golan later put out a statement in response to criticism towards the song, stating that while she was "aware of what's happening [and] underst[ood] the dialogue", she also continued preparations to participate in the contest according to her acquaintances.The end changes the colour of the lighting to orange, which was interpreted by Israeli Eurovision fansite EuroMix as "a kind of sunrise on the set that symbolizes hope".[75] Throughout rehearsals, Golan faced loud choruses of both booing and applause during each performance, with reported chants of "Free Palestine" being heard throughout the arena.[84] Golan's grand final performance was also met with a "decidedly mixed reaction" of boos and cheers according to NME writer Max Pilley.Brian Fishbach of the Jewish Journal wrote that despite heavy booing, he thought that Golan "galvanized Jews and music lovers around the world".[87] Moren zer Katzenstein of The Jerusalem Post wrote their thought that the booing was directly correlated to antisemitism and was part of an "international bullying campaign".[90] In response to her result, Golan expressed contentment, stating that she was "so proud" and that she accomplished the goal of "mak[ing] Israel's strong voice heard in the world".
SingleEden GolanSongwriter(s)Keren PelesStav BegerYouTubeEurovision Song Contest 2024Israel◄ "Unicorn" (2023)7 October attacksrepresented IsraelIsrael–Hamas warEuropean Broadcasting UnionEurovision Song ContestIsraeli Public Broadcasting Corporationpop balladThe Times of IsraelbreakupThe New York TimesThe Jerusalem PostIsrael Hayompop cultureKvellerIsraeli hostages from Hamas captivityOctober 7TwitterIsrael is committing genocidepirateKan 11Re'im music festival massacreIsaac HerzogOGAE IsraelEylon LevyHaaretzHarbu DarbuArmy RadioHebrewTime OutMaarivartistic freedomtens of thousands of casualtiesHera BjörkSilia KapsisNetta BarzilaiIcelandicAndrew LambrouGali Atarithe contest in 1979Michael Ben DavidJamaladeportationCrimean TatarsCrimeaEurovision Song Contest 2016UkraineWiwibloggsVultureDemi LovatoScotsmanIranian drone attacksCroatiaBaby LasagnaNordic countriesIsrael in the Eurovision Song Contest 2024HaKokhav HaBaMalmö ArenaMalmöYom HaShoahHolocaustEstonia5miinustPuuluupNorwayAlon LivneDaily TelegraphThe NationalLuxembourgNetherlandsJoost KleinLithuaniaSilvester BeltJewish JournalantisemitismCyprusGermanyBenjamin Netanyahuvariety showEretz NehederetMarina SattiBambie ThugAustralia Digital TracksMedia ForestSingle TipSverigetopplistanSchweizer HitparadeUK Indie BreakersUK Singles DownloadsUK Singles SalesDigital downloadstreamingThe Jewish ChronicleBBC NewsJewish Telegraphic AgencyKeshet Media GroupI24NEWSThe ScotsmanNewsweekThe GuardianThe IndependentThe Daily TelegraphAustralian Recording Industry AssociationIFPI GreeceMegaChartsSwiss Singles ChartOfficial Charts CompanyApple MusicGaza warTimelineOutlineEngage-mentsHamas-ledattack onIsraelNetiv HaAsaraAlumimBe'eriElhanan TeamKfar Aza